Beshear Strikes No Optimistic Tone on Gambling

Gov. Steve Beshear is sounding less than optimistic about the odds of passing a constitutional amendment on casino gambling in a legislative session that begins next week.

The second-term Democrat says lawmakers are facing a lot of other tough issues in the session that's scheduled for only 30 days and he's not sure whether they'll have time to tackle gambling.

Despite a long history of wagering on horses, Kentucky has never allowed casinos. And many lawmakers have been reluctant to change that, knowing they may face disapproving constituents in future legislative elections.

Proponents have said Kentucky could collect more than $250 million in one-time license fees by allowing casinos to open. Taxing casinos, they contend, could generate more than $350 million a year for government programs and services.

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